Carleton University’s Steven Cooke and Richard Amos have received prestigious awards from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). The awards were presented at a reception at the residence of the Governor General on Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2015.
“These awards recognize both innovative research and rewarding academic-industry partnerships,” said Kim Matheson, vice-president (Research and International). “Carleton is fortunate to have Steven Cook and Richard Amos as part of our incredible emerging research talent.”
Cooke, an associate professor in the Department of Biology and Institute of Environmental Science, has been awarded the E.W.R. Steacie Memorial Fellowship . As part of the award, he will receive $250,000 to continue his research on stress experiences of individual fish during migration, with a focus on salmon and trout. Cooke will be relieved of teaching and administrative duties for two years in order to devote his time and energy to research and mentoring students.
“This fellowship provides the ultimate in freedom and flexibility to go into the field and collect data that have been traditionally difficult to obtain,” said Cooke. “I’m excited about being able to share even more field time with my talented team members as we pursue this project.”
mos, an assistant professor in the Institute of Environmental Science and Department of Earth Sciences, was part of a team that was awarded the $200,000 Synergy Award for Innovation for the formation of an academic-industry partnership focusing on waste rock that results from mining.
Working at the Diavik Diamond Mine, 300 kilometres northeast of Yellowknife in the Northwest Territories, the team develops methods to improve how mining companies manage waste rock. The team includes David Blowes from the University of Waterloo, Leslie Smith from the University of British Columbia, David Sego from the University of Alberta and Gordon Macdonald from Diavik.
“The award recognizes the partnership we have built up with Diavik over the last decade,” said Amos. “Along with paving the way for ground-breaking research, the partnership has allowed 19 graduate students to participate. We hope to continue this relationship in the future.”
Congratulations Dr. Cooke and Dr. Amos!